As I understand Germany really likes their dubbings (including assigning specific VO actors, to cover specific movie starts), so I can understand how for someone not used to subtitles it might be a bigger obstacle than for others.
I detest (polish) dubbings in movies, but I used to enjoy those for animated films - less so these days, when I am way out off touch with jokes or references a Polish translation might use. As cinematics barely sync with english VO, I think other languages could work well as well. That, however, still would be a massive undertaking, on top of what is already an insanely ambitions amoung of VO. Not an unreasonable request, though I don't expect for Larian to even seriously consider the suggestion.
Originally Posted by rodeolifant
Well, aside from The Witcher, I don't think I ever have played an RPG that was dubbed *into* English. And, I think in that series, only the first one was actually written in Polish, the rest was dubbed *from* English. I could be wrong. Still, English VA in Witcher series was *excellent* imo.
I do believe that is correct. From what I understand translation of W1 into english was very dodgy - especially before the Enhanced Edition. It seemed to work well for them - I played Witchers1-3 in polish and I haven't sensed it feeling off at any point.
Interestingly, games seem to shy away from a "lector" style translation - a neutral VO on top of original. I don't know if it's mainly a Polish thing, but in television most films are translated like that. Personally, I think it works rather well - gives you the original performance underneath, while providing translation at the same time. The only time I have seen it applied in games, was Polish VO for Stalker. Maybe it's too weird for mass market, by to me it really enhanced the grim, easter eurpean feel of Stalker.
edit: If two overlapping eastern european languages are too much for your delicate ears, here is a bit of Die Hard2 with the lector to illustrate the idea. On a side note, those being usualy TV cuts, they tend to omit a lot of vulgarities. It can be hilarious at times. I am sure it is very werid for Western audience, but I do wonder how many european countries use this type of translation, and if it would be valiable for some european markets. I will always prefer subtitles if needed, but for those needing VO, this could be an interesting option if full dubbing isn't a possibility.
